JOB DESCRIPTION

Mission Statement

Restoring hope and freedom through rehabilitation.

Summary:

The position is located on the 4th floor Brain Injury Program; working 11p-7a. Nurse technicians provide important patient care within the Nursing Department. Under the direction of the registered nurse assigned to each patient, this non-licensed team member assists with patient care and other department activities as outlined in this job description, and communicates effectively with the RN responsible for each patient. Work performed by each Nurse Technician must support the mission, vision, and values of Mary Free Bed.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Quality Pillar of Excellence

* Patient Care - The nurse technician provides direct patient care, as delegated by the RN and in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Patient care performed by a NT includes, but is not limited to, the following:

* Collects and monitors data and reports physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual needs of the patient and families as directed by and in coordination with the patient's assigned RN.

* Acts as a safety attendant, as assigned, providing direct supervision under the direction of the RN to maintain the safety of the patient.

* Answers call lights in a timely, respectful manner

* Documents care via computer/written patient record according to department policies, including content and timeliness of documentation.

* Provides input to the RN for use in an individualized plan of care for each patient

* Transports patients in a safe and timely manner to facilitate patient diagnostic testing and therapy sessions, as needed. Communicates with other team members in order to ensure continuity of care and coordination of services.

* Maintains the patient's living environment in a clean, safe manner

* Cleans patient areas, work areas, and equipment, as needed. Communicates any equipment malfunctions to the Central Supply Department or Nursing Supervisor, and removes equipment from patient care in accordance with department policies.

* Assists with collection of quality data, as assigned by the RN, Nursing Supervisor, or Director of Nursing.

* Demonstrates appropriate use of all patient care equipment, in accordance with departmental policies.

* Communication - Each staff member in the Nursing Department is responsible to communicate in a timely, professional and respectful manner at all times. Responsibilities of the nurse technician include, but are not limited to:

* Patients and their families or visitors are treated with kindness and respect.

* Customers, physicians, and other staff members are treated with kindness and respect.

* Maintains effective working relationships with employees throughout the organization.

* Treats patient call lights as a primary communication method between the patient and the caregiver, and promptly responds to call lights, in person, as soon as possible.

* Delivers care in a manner that is culturally sensitive and preserves the dignity and rights of each patient. Deals discreetly and sensitively with confidential information, and follows all hospital policies related to protected health information.

Service Pillar of Excellence

* Customer Service - Each nurse technician is required to demonstrate excellent customer service standards and behaviors in all interactions with colleagues, patients, family members, physicians, and other customers. This employee is responsible to understand how patient satisfaction is measured within the nursing department, the expectations related to customer service, and the action plans that are in place to improve the satisfaction of MFB customers.

People Pillar of Excellence

* Employee communication - The nurse technician understands that communication with hospital and department leadership occurs in many ways, and that it is the responsibility of each employee to be aware of policy and practice changes. This information is shared through various methods such as administrative bulletins, staff meetings, bulletin board postings, email, department newsletters, individual discussions, and on the MFB intranet (InsideMFB).

* Employee training and competency assessments - Each nurse technician is responsible to complete all required training and competency assessments prior to the posted deadlines. Questions about required education and competency modules should be addressed to a nurse educator or a nursing supervisor to ensure that the requirements are completed prior to the deadlines.

* Performance evaluations -Each nurse technician will meet with a nursing supervisor to complete an annual performance evaluation prior to the department or organizational deadline. The employee will provide input to the supervisor when reviewing goals and performance from the completed review period. The employee will work with the supervisor to review organizational and departmental action plans, and to identify personal goals for the upcoming review period. As a preceptor, each NT will collaborate with the assigned RN, Nursing Supervisor and Nurse Educator to provide a thorough and accurate orientation for the new team member.

* Safety policies - Each employee is responsible to demonstrate knowledge of and performance in accordance with hospital and department safety and infection control policies and procedures. Maintains a safe and clean working environment for the benefit of patients and staff.

Financial Performance Pillar of Excellence

* Fiscal Responsibility - Documents patient chargeable items according to department policies. Avoids duplication and waste of supplies. Arrives to work on time and works throughout the shift, unless taking a designated break. If the nurse technician does not have work to do, asks a RN or a nursing supervisor for work to avoid downtime. Avoids overtime, and if overtime is expected, communicates this in advance with the nursing supervisor so that alternatives can be explored.

* The nurse technician is also responsible for other department and patient-related tasks, as assigned, and in alignment with departmental policies and procedures. Performs assignments as directed by management, and provides input on new services or revisions to new/existing policies and procedures as appropriate.

* Current American Heart Association BLS Course for HealthCare Providers

* Physical Demands/Work Environment: The work environment described here are representative of those an employee will encounter while working as a nurse technician at Mary Free Bed. The ability to perform these tasks are required in order to provide the necessary patient care required by MFB patients:

* Required to stand, sit, talk, type, read, and hear, required to use hands and arms to handle, feel, carry and work, required to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and rise from a kneeling position while performing patient care, required to be independently mobile, with frequent bending, and reaching overhead, for activities such as positioning and transferring of patients and equipment,

* Must be able to exert 20 to 35 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects(*).

* Due to possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens and hazardous materials, must be able to understand and follow department policies related to employee safety.